Laila Ali Steps in 'Gladiators' Ring

"Laila is a gladiator in her own right," NBC alternative-programming chief Craig Plestis says of Ali. "Her fierceness in the ring is matched only by her charisma and authenticity. There is no competitor -- male or female -- who she can not relate to on a personal and competitive level."

Ali will join pro-wrestling legend Hulk Hogan as host of the new "American Gladiators," which is scheduled for a midseason launch. The show is an update on the 1989-97 syndicated series that featured amateur athletes facing off in a series of competitions against a regular cast of "gladiators."

The new series will keep the same format and add a few new wrinkles to the competitions, like special effects and water-based games.

Earlier this week, Ali was named host of "Student Body," a show on The N that will encourage teenagers to become physically fit. Both it and "American Gladiators" are produced by Reveille.